Before starting your volunteer program in Tibet, join our one week cultural and language training that provides unparalleled insight into the beauty of the Tibetan language and culture. Our one week intensive program starts in the cultural capital of Lhasa where colorful prayer flags fly, the sound of prayers echo and the air itself seems filled with magic and mystery. Our uniquely designed extensive language course offers you glimpses of this amazing country, fosters cultural intimacy, and prepares you to explore Tibet and enjoy one of the most mysterious regions of the world.

Our language and cultural course combines language training, lectures on Tibetan culture, religions, and issues, hiking to rural villages and local bazaars in your free time, and visits to some of the cultural wonders of Tibet including Potala palace.

Proposed Schedule:

Day 1: Arrive at the Tibet Office and Orientation:

A 3 to 4 hour lecture covers Buddhism, local culture, history, customs, politics, geography, health issues and precautions, and the challenges of Tibet. Also included in the lecture is a short discussion of the program itinerary.

Day 2: Tibetan language class continues (2-3 hours).
Day 3: Tibetan language class continues (2-3 hours).
Day 4: Tibetan language class continues (2-3 hours).
Day 5: Tibetan language class continues (2-3 hours).

*Volunteers can explore local villages and bazaar in free time

Day 6: Sightseeing of Lhasa bazaar, Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, Barkhor bazaar (a typical Tibetan local market) and some monasteries.

POTALA PALACE (winter palace of the Dalai Lama) the seat of both religion and politics in Tibet and quite possibly, the single most important building in all Tibet. It was built in the 7th century by King Tsongtsen Gampo as a fort and later renovated by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century to its present specifications. Visit the JOKHANG TEMPLE, BARKHOR BAZAAR (a typical Tibetan local market) and some other monasteries. Volunteers can learn how monks receive their education, Buddhist way of praying to God, and other cultural items.

Day 7: Closing of Tibetan language

The Chinese government imposes restrictions on certain activities and travel to some places in Tibet, so volunteers need to take suggestions and accept the help of the country coordinator before undertaking any travel plan.

Ongoing Programs

Teaching English/Work in Orphanage Summer Escapes